Relationship between philosophy, science and art

There is not necessarily any opposition or conflict between religious belief and the practice of philosophy. Many Christian and Muslim thinkers have been philosophers as well as theologians. A religion is “a philosophy” in the sense of a set of answers to the most fundamental questions. As a result of philosophy in the sense of a practice of reflection. Philosophy in that sense is part of religious thinking, for example in clarifying the meaning of formulations of religious belief, in explaining why one should believe, in resolving objections and difficulties.

A religion and philosophy will come into conflict only if reflection leads to the conclusion that beliefs essential to the religion are not true. Most religious believers believe that their religion will be vindicated by inquiry into its truth they do not fear, but encourage, reflection, at least in the appropriate circumstances. “Appropriate circumstances” means, if the inquirer is intelligent and well informed and able to consult expert exponents of the religion, and able and willing to spend a reasonable amount of time on the inquiry.